This episode of The Trapset is brought to you in part by Collecivo Coffee, handmade coffee since 1993.

Check them out online at collectivo.com.

This is Joe Wong.

Welcome to the Trapset, where each week we explore the lives of drummers.

I want to play something for you. You're hearing passing complexion by Big Black, featuring my guest Roland on drums, and my other guest, Steve Albini,

on bass and vocals.

Formed in 1981 in Evanston, Illinois, Big Black drew inspiration from the initial spirit of punk rock,

but the band's wild sonic experiments and abrasively singular lyrics distinguished it among a growing scene of scrupulous punk traditionalists.

She was his, she would take his children, black and white, like the hurled grass. Big Black broke up in 1987, but Albini has remained active as a musician, first with

Rape Man and since 1992 with his current band, Shalak.

He's a prolific recording engineer who has worked on close to 2,000 projects,

and his occasional essays have proven highly influential,

particularly in the discourse around the intersection of art and business.

This conversation was recorded at Albini's Electrical Audio Studio in Chicago.

I was initially hoping to have a conversation with Roland, with Albini serving as his translator,

but after a few minutes, Steve decided he would feel more comfortable speaking to me directly.

Fortunately, he has some incredibly interesting things to say.

And now my conversation with Roland, but actually Steve Albini.

Roland,

Roland, welcome to the trap set.

I can't understand him. Can we bring a translator in here?

Hi.

...